Palestinian couple unite after 11 years of separation due to Israeli detention

Ramallah (QNN) – Palestinian woman Sumood al-Barghouthi (30) has reunited with her fiance Mohammed al-Barghouthi who was released from the Israeli detention today where he spent 16 years of his life.

Sumood, whose name means “steadfastness” in English, was engaged to Mohammed 11 years ago. She was visiting her brother in the Israeli prison of Nafha when Mohammed saw her for the first time. It was love at first sight. He asked his mother to ask her hand for marriage on behalf of him, and she accepted.

“I couldn’t sleep last night. I was so happy. I didn’t believe I will finally meat him after all these years of waiting. It was a strange feeling,” said Sumood to Wafa Press Agency.

Like the families of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, Sumood suffered from the Israeli Prison Service restrictions on family visits. She would meet her fiance from behind a glass window.

“I wasn’t allowed to even shake hands with him,” said Sumood.

Mr. and Mrs. al-Barghouthi are not the only Palestinian couple who have suffered and been separated by the Israeli occupation.

According to recent statistics by the Palestinian Prisoners’ Affairs Committee, 1899 married and/or engaged Palestinian couples are separated due to the Israeli detention.